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Thursday, August 2, 2012

Finally...another update!

So once again, I have proven that I'm really bad at this whole blogging thing! So much has been happening and I should have been writing about most of it, but I just can't seem to find the energy or time to do it.

First off, Bean is doing great! Out last check-up was on July 10th and everything was perfect, we even saw Bean yawn! So cool! Bean's growing at a steady pace, kicking like crazy and I actually put on 4lbs...which sadly my doctor wasn't as excited about as I was. He said the weight gain was good, but I still needed to put on more...so more Boost for Mommy. :p

Our doc also let us know that all of our genetic disorder tests came back normal, but one that was a little concerning was a test that showed Bean might be at risk for low birth weight. My doctor said he wasn't hugely concerned because all of our ultrasounds have been fine, but it was worth keeping an eye on. So next Tuesday I'm going in for a special ultrasound so that a high risk specialist can get a closer look and make sure Bean is at an ideal weight and length and still progressing as expected.

Then our doctor ruined the rest of my day...it was time for a second 3 hour glucose screening...UGH! Although we had talked about how the last one knocked me on my butt and maybe we'd consider doing a 1 hour test instead, my doc said sorry, suck it up, you have to do another 3 hour torture session. So the next day I was back at the lab after 12 hours of fasting, drinking an extra sugary orange drink and getting my blood drawn every hour on the hour while my parents tried to keep me entertained. And then two days later my doctor ruined my day again. He said two of the four counts came back right on the border and even though he didn't think I was diabetic, I had to run another 3 hour test within the next week! One 3 hour test was enough, but now I had to do it for the third time! So the following Friday I was back at the lab, parents in tow, drinking more orange "soda" and more hourly blood draws. Then my doctor finally delivered some good news...I wasn't diabetic after all, no more glucose tests and no more fasting. Kinda hard to gain weight when you go without eating for more than 15 hours, twice in just over a week.

So now that all of that is done and over with, things are going good again. My belly is getting bigger by the day, Bean's movements are getting much stronger and my JRA has been doing great! I have the occasional joint stiffness and discomfort, but feel comfortable in saying that the pregnancy remission I kept hearing about has fully set in. I've even been off of all JRA meds for over 2 months now. Some days I push myself too hard...planning for my baby shower, going out with friends, but I've noticed that I recover much quicker than I did before I got pregnant. My husband's been a huge factor in me feeling better as well. He's been a huge support, washing dishes, cooking dinner, working on the baby's room and going with me to all of our appointments and baby classes. I'm definitely feeling loved right now.

So so pleased to hear all is going well. I know you don't know me but I have had JRA since I was 8 (i'm now 37) and have been trying for a baby for 5 years. I have been following your blog for a few months now and loved reading your happy news! I stopped diclofenac last month as I heard it is related to unexplained infertility and today I found out I am pregnant! very early days, so excited, husband is all worried about my hips and ankles as they are all replaced but told him those ones are the ones that are likely to be fine! haha so happy!!!!!!!

Congratulations Kerry, I'm so excited for you!!! I know how hard it can be mentally and physically dealing with infertility, so do your best to just relax and enjoy every second of being pregnant. We've gone through so many ups and downs with infertility and even now after 7 months of being pregnant, we still sometimes wait for something to go wrong.

I've had both of my hips replaced as well and haven't had a day of trouble with them. The only thing is I know I HAVE to have a C-Section because of them. My surgeon recommended it and I agreed that it's not worth taking the chance of popping them out of place just to say I experienced natural labor. Have you talked to your Rheumatologist yet or started any kind of medicine to get yourself some relief until pregnancy remission possibly sets in? I was lucky enough to just start a low dose of Prednisone and it got me through until I felt like I could continue without any meds.

Well congrats again, that's great news! Please leave comments or email me and keep me updated on how you're doing! All the best!

I haven't seen my rheumatologist yet, but I am already on low dose prednisone and enbrel. I have called my rheumatologist but haven't heard back from him yet, I am in the UK and things work a little slower trying to get appointments. I am only 4 weeks and 2 days pregnant so trying to keep myself grounded 'just in case'. Bones seem to be doing ok at the moment, I am managing with paracetamol, am due enbrel again on Sunday so waiting to hear if I can still do that - good old google would suggest its ok lolSo pleased that your hips have been behaving. I think you're right agreeing to a c-section, displaced hips or worse would not be fun when you have your new baby! Not long now :)

Kerry - So sorry it took me a while to respond, but I'm glad to hear you're doing well & that you're starting the process of getting together with your Rheumatologist. I hope everything continues to go well with you!

What part of the UK are you from? My Dad's side of the family is from Holyhead, Wales. I've visited a couple of times and love it there.